Unique Cities to Visit in Russia

Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg is an industrial city located in the Ural Mountains that is always buzzing with activities. The location is popular because it is said to be the place where Tsar Nicholas, the last Tsar of Russia and his household was killed in 1918 in the midst of the Russian Revolution. Yekaterinburg is known today as a cultural scene and houses many playwrights, theaters, libraries, Russian rock bands and also dance companies. It is also considered as the fourth biggest city in Russia and has more than 30 museums, which include the oldest wood sculpture in the world. A similar museum has more than 300 Nevyansk icons on display.

Sochi

Sochi which is located on the Black Sea is a great spot for winter games and it hosted the winter session of Olympics in 2014. Besides the Skis, the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix is hosted in Sochi and will also play host for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Notwithstanding the winter snow, Sochi has a subtropical climate and nice beaches, and this makes it an important part of the Russian Riviera. The city serves as a great winter and summer holiday spot for Russians. Taking a stroll along the pedestrian-only sea embankment makes for an unforgettable experience. Tourists who are conscious of the environment may wish to pay a visit to the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve. Sochi is also known as the area with the largest tea plantation in the north.

Veliky Novgorod

This great city was found in the 10th century. It is known as one of the oldest cities in the northern part of Russia. It is claimed that Veliky Novgorod is the birthplace of Russia since the residents invited the then Scandinavian Prince Rurik to govern Russia. The Prince established a dynasty that lasted for 750 years. Top tourist sites you should visit in Novgorod include the Hanseatic Fountain which is rumored to refund 1,000 rubles for every rule that is thrown into it. Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Belltower which is the oldest in Russia is another site you should look out for when you visit Veliky Novgorod. Finally, the location is a good spot to eat borscht.

Vladivostok

Vladivostok is surrounded by bays and mountains and this makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the eastern part of Russia. Russia’s largest port is also situated in Vladivostok and it is just several steps away from China and North Korea. The city has a lot of cultural attractions to offer tourists. This includes concerts, theaters, and museums. It may also interest you to know that this place is the birthplace of Yul Brynner the actor. He was born in 1920. Also, Minny Gorodok which is located in the city once served as a military base.

Nizhny Novgorod

This city is known as the fifth largest city in Russia. It is located at the confluence of the Oka and Volga rivers. It was initially known as Gorky because it is the birthplace of Maxim Gorky.